Title

Author

Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Chemistry

Date of Award

8-2006

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jeffrey G. Wardeska

Committee Members

Chu-Ngi Ho, Scott J. Kirkby

Abstract

Sol-Gel techniques depend on the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of organosilicon precursors in aqueous media and, thus, provide an inclusive environment with bioaffinity. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which possess unique electric, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties, including their high surface area:volume ratio, can be further surface-functionalized to address different material or sensing demands.

In this work we describe a new composite material that combines the unique sol-gel network with conductive CNTs. Hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of tetramethyloxysilane (TMOS) in the presence of CNTs result in the formation of a dense, homogeneous material. Properties of this composite material on electrode surfaces are discussed and novel sensing applications are described.